Elizabethton police: Man shot holes in his own truck

ELIZABETHTON — Elizabethton Police responding to a call about shots being fired in the 700 Block of W. H St. on Monday arrested a man who admitted to shooting the side of his own pickup truck.

Kenneth Shelton, 43, 310 Jenkins Hollow Road, was charged with driving under the influence, reckless endangerment, possession of a handgun while under the influence, possession of Schedule IV drug, improper use of automobile registration papers and failure to maintain control.

Officer Jordan Ensor responded to the call at 1:30 p.m. After speaking with witnesses, Ensor stopped the truck as it entered U.S. Highway 19E from South Sycamore St.

Ensor identified the driver as Shelton and said he was unsteady and appeared to be under the influence. He said Shelton admitted to firing a Ruger .40 caliber pistol at his truck. Ensor said Shelton also admitted to drinking a six pack of beer and taking Xanax pills.

Corporal Matt Croy said a loaded .40 caliber pistol was found on the truck seat and a plastic bag containing 198 blue pills were found in Shelton's pocket.